In our series of debunking some sustainability myths, today we will tackle the myth that renewable energy is unreliable because of intermittency. Because solar and wind energy generation depends on natural conditions—like sunlight and wind speeds—these sources are seen as inconsistent, leading some to believe that renewables alone cannot meet our energy demands reliably. But this view is increasingly outdated. Thanks to advances in energy storage, grid management, and forecasting technology, renewables are already proving to be resilient power sources.
In this article, we’ll explain the roots of the intermittency issue, shed light on the current capabilities and limitations of large-scale storage, and outline the pathways making a reliable, renewable future more feasible every day.
The Intermittency Problem Explained
Solar and wind power are inherently variable—meaning they don’t produce a steady stream of electricity. Solar panels only generate energy when the sun is shining, and wind turbines require suitable wind speeds. This variability presents unique challenges, especially when compared to traditional energy sources like coal, gas, or nuclear, which can operate continuously. The assumption is that if renewables can’t provide a constant energy flow, they could destabilize the grid, leading to power shortages or outages.
But the picture is more complex than that. Intermittency does indeed require careful management, but labeling renewables as “unreliable” ignores how modern technology and innovative approaches are solving this problem.
Reality Check: Storage and Smart Grid Solutions Are Already Addressing Intermittency
Let’s explore how the energy sector is addressing intermittency with current technology:
- Battery Storage for Energy Reserves: Lithium-ion batteries – especially for small scale storage – are the frontrunners in energy storage and have become a crucial tool for handling renewable energy’s variability. These batteries store excess energy when production is high, such as on sunny or windy days, and release it when production dips. Although lithium-ion technology is costly, it’s highly effective for short-term storage (up to a few hours), which helps balance daily energy fluctuations.
- Pumped Hydro Storage and Geographical Constraints: Pumped hydro remains the most cost-effective way to store large amounts of energy. It uses surplus electricity to pump water from a lower to a higher reservoir, storing potential energy. When demand increases, the water is released, driving turbines to generate electricity. However, this solution is geographically limited. Pumped hydro requires substantial land and specific terrain, making it impractical for some regions.
- Green Hydrogen for Long-Term Storage: Green hydrogen is emerging as a powerful solution for long-duration storage. By using excess renewable energy to split water into hydrogen and oxygen (a process called electrolysis), energy can be stored in the form of hydrogen gas and later converted back to electricity. Green hydrogen has the potential to balance out renewable production over weeks or even months, addressing seasonal variability. Although still early in development, green hydrogen offers scalable, long-term storage options, especially for regions with large renewable capacity.
- Advanced Forecasting Tools: Improved forecasting models allow grid operators to predict solar and wind production with much greater accuracy. By using real-time weather data and predictive analytics, operators can adjust energy distribution in advance, making it possible to manage fluctuations smoothly. These forecasting tools are becoming essential for optimizing renewable energy supply and minimizing disruptions.
- Grid Diversity and Energy Source Complementation: A diversified energy mix, where different renewable sources support each other, further reduces the impact of intermittency. Solar energy typically peaks during the day, while wind often picks up at night, creating a complementary cycle. By integrating multiple renewable sources alongside hydroelectric or bioenergy, a steady and reliable flow of energy can be maintained. Additionally, flexible backup systems (like gas peakers) can provide supplementary power during unexpected drops in renewable output.
- Localized Microgrids for Enhanced Resilience: Microgrids, smaller grids that operate independently or in tandem with the main grid, offer an extra layer of resilience. These localized systems can store energy and supply power to critical areas even during outages. In addition to improving reliability, microgrids reduce reliance on central power sources, making them particularly valuable in areas where blackouts are frequent or where self-sufficiency is a priority.
The Next Steps for Large-Scale Storage: Moving Toward a Fully Renewable Grid
While we’ve made considerable progress in addressing intermittency, large-scale storage remains a work in progress. Here’s how ongoing research and innovation aim to make large-scale storage more viable and affordable:
- Advancing Battery Technologies: Beyond lithium-ion, new battery technologies are emerging with potential for large-scale storage. Flow batteries, for instance, use liquid electrolytes to store energy and can be scaled up more easily than lithium-ion systems. Sodium-ion batteries, meanwhile, use more abundant materials, which could make them cheaper and more sustainable. Solid-state batteries, another promising avenue, offer greater energy density and longevity. Although these technologies are still under development, they could provide more cost-effective storage solutions in the coming years.
- Expanding Grid Interconnectivity: Regional interconnectivity allows areas with excess renewable production to share energy with those facing shortages. This interconnected grid model is already underway in parts of Europe and the United States, where high-voltage power lines link regions with complementary renewable resources. Interconnected grids create a more stable, resilient network, reducing the need for massive, local storage systems by allowing energy to flow to where it’s needed most.
- Investment in Smart Grids: Smart grids use advanced sensors, machine learning, and AI to dynamically manage energy flows. These grids can detect fluctuations in demand and automatically redistribute energy accordingly, making the most of renewable resources. Smart grids can also predict and adjust to surges or drops in power, keeping supply consistent without overloading any one part of the system. Investment in smart grid technology is crucial for efficiently scaling up renewable energy use.
- Policy and Financial Support: Large-scale renewable infrastructure, including storage, requires considerable investment. Policies that support renewable energy through subsidies, tax incentives, and R&D grants are essential for encouraging innovation and accelerating the transition to clean energy. Policy support can also help bring down costs, making storage and renewable energy more accessible to all regions and markets.
Intermittency Is Becoming a Manageable Challenge
In the past, the intermittency of renewable energy presented a genuine obstacle to a reliable power grid. But as an energy specialist, I’ve seen firsthand how technology, infrastructure, and innovation are transforming renewables into a dependable and robust energy source. Large-scale storage, while still in development, is progressing rapidly, with technologies like green hydrogen, advanced batteries, and smart grids driving us toward a more sustainable and resilient energy future.
While there’s work to be done, especially on cost and scalability, it’s clear that renewable energy is not only viable but is quickly becoming a cornerstone of our energy systems. Far from being unreliable, renewables—supported by strategic grid management and next-generation storage—are proving to be the resilient power sources we need for a sustainable world.